Side Effects Of Prednisone

Irregular Heartbeat Or Pulse

Patients who take prednisone frequently report experiencing an irregular heartbeat or pulse. They may notice their heartbeat is faster or slower than usual, and the sensation of a pounding heartbeat could be present. Individuals who take this medication may want to check their pulse at home regularly. This can be done with an automatic blood pressure machine or pulse oximeter; many automatic blood pressure machines will detect an irregular heartbeat and notify the patient immediately. Since an irregular heartbeat could indicate a more serious medical issue and increase the patient's risk of certain heart conditions, it should always be checked by a physician. The doctor will check the patient's heartbeat by listening with a stethoscope, and an electrocardiogram may be completed. Patients who experience an irregular heartbeat might benefit from switching to another medication if possible. Many individuals find their heart rate becomes regular again after they stop taking prednisone. Patients who have certain cardiac risk factors may need to have their heart health checked with frequent follow-up visits during treatment with prednisone.

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